Breaking Through the Fourth Wall – The Steemfest ExperiencesteemCreated with Sketch.

Hey Steemian friends,

I am still reeling from the joy and enthusiasm I felt at the phenomenal Steemfest 2016. A resounding success by anyone’s standards, it was a showcase of professionalism and class from beginning to the very end. The gratitude and thankfulness I feel toward @roeland and his team of experts is insurmountable.

So, before I put up my actual post regarding the Steemfest tomorrow, I’d like to share some of my personal reflections of the event as a whole while they are still fresh in my mind.

I’m almost in a state of depression whilst settling back into the daily routine of “normality” after the rollercoaster ride of fun that was the Steemfest. I mean that as the highest possible compliment I can give to the organisers. Exceeding expectations almost beyond words, I classify the last few days as being the definition of success. I can honestly say never in my life have I been in an environment encompassing such talented, diverse and affable people. It’s something I was fortunate enough to be a part of and have created some treasured memories in the process that will never be forgotten.

Pre-Steemfest, I would flick through the posts and enjoy reading all the great articles and content on my computer screen. Now, after the event is over, an extra element has been thrown into the mix that had previously not existed. Real lives. Many new articles I read now are told to me through the eyes of that certain somebody I became acquainted with at the event. Almost like a personal narration from that individual’s unique perspective on life. A feeling of familiarity not too dissimilar, in fact, to receiving a postcard through the mail from a dear friend.

The incredible people I met over the course of those few short days have literally transformed every post they have ever written. I can envisage and interpret new meanings and messages based on their particular traits, personalities and beliefs. Better understand their ideologies and views through the looking glass to get an exclusive “behind the scenes” take on the relationship between post and person.

Now, when I sit back and think about that carefully, the words “mind” and “blown” are quickly conjured up.

It’s literally like moving from a 2D ecosystem into a 3D world. A truly astonishing accomplishment, I’m sure you’d agree. The fact that the whole thing just fit together as perfectly as it did is due to us being currently a small group of early adopters and believers in creating something better, as @ned put it so succinctly in his introduction speech. We are all slap bang right at the start so forming great friendships and lasting connections is totally achievable if we all pull in the right direction. Steemfest has proved that point without a shadow of a doubt.

Whether anybody still has any questions about the financial side of Steemit (which, might I add, are being addressed by some of the most intelligent individuals I have ever come across), there is one thing which is now just simply an undeniable truth about Steemit. The unity of the community.

When have I ever emotionally connected with so many diverse people in a relatively unknown group within such a short space of time? The answer is never… until now.

From my personal view of point, Steemit has surpassed just being a website primarily based on economic remuneration, but has now become a living, breathing entity unto itself. Because there are real people running the show behind the red curtain, people I grew so fond of so quickly, people I think about and miss as I type this post. Amazing, interesting, smart and brilliant people! If the calibre of Steemians present as this event was already so high, imagine those who couldn’t make the event. The mind certainly boggles at the heights of intellect and greatness that we all have yet to see in upcoming future events.

After all is said and done, the triumphant victory of Steemfest has pushed the platform to the next level and I am honoured to have personally witnessed Steemit's first baby steps.

Bless you all and I look forward immensely to our next meeting in the near future...

Could not agree more on what it's like to read people's content after meeting them. Whole new element. If people think Steemit is amazing now, wait till they actually meet other Steemians whether through video chat, meetups, or fests.

Pre-Steemfest, I would flick through the posts and enjoy reading all the great articles and content on my computer screen. Now, after the event is over, an extra element has been thrown into the mix that had previously not existed. Real lives. Many new articles I read now are told to me through the eyes of that certain somebody I became acquainted with at the event. Almost like a personal narration from that individual’s unique perspective on life. A feeling of familiarity not too dissimilar, in fact, to receiving a postcard through the mail from a dear friend.
It’s literally like moving from a 2D ecosystem to a 3D world.

This is so true!!! When I was reading the lines I was seeing you telling me all this talking in the bar with some drinks. Respect mate! You touch my soul with your lines.. therefore they are also part of me now :) looking forward to hanging out somewhere in the world with you again soon. Steem ON!

My brother, @juanmiguelsalas!!!! Man, you will never understand how awesome I think you are! I'm so happy to have met you and trust me, I meant every word I wrote so thank you kindly for your humbling comments! I look forward so much to seeing you again! Why can't you live down the street from me, lol! Steem ON, man! :)

@ezzy, I met you on Saturday and by Sunday I felt like I had to leave a good friend behind for an unknown time. We had so much fun. I recognize the depression you feel. I feel it too. I bet many feel it.

The human element has really come alive for me on Steemit after Steemfest. No other social media platform has made me feel like this. Ever. I can't wait to read your story about Steemfest.

Listen, brother! I don't know why but only a handful of times in my life have I formed an instant friendship as with you. It's just unreal. And all because we made the effort to attend the Steemfest. Who would have thought all these indirect channels of positivity would branch off from the main event itself.

The good thing is due to the very real and phenomenal success of the fest, we are guaranteed to meet again soon. Absolute pleasure getting to know you.

Thanks, my brother! I really loved our chat on the first night I saw you at the hotel. Still can't believe how kool and friendly everyone was. What a great guy you are, man. We will for sure meet at the next one! :)

You are so very well respected and liked by many in the Steemit community. I really regret running out of time to have been able to talk to you but hopefully that can be rectified on the next meet up. I hear you are London based which is awesome! Maybe on a possible upcoming Steem meetup? All the best, @opheliafu.

Yes, me and my husband @cryptofunk put on a meet up in Birmingham last month. We will start planning another one soon, probably for January/February. We are going to do a mini survey of the approx locations of UK Steemit users to work out a good location for the next meet up.

Hey @anca3drandom! How much sweeter can you get? You are such a lovely person, Anca. You don't know how happy I was to meet you at the fest. Please please come to the next one with the great @the-future. Bless...

Thanks, bud! That means a lot to me. But I promise you, I meant every word. It was an absolute pleasure seeing and hanging out with you as I'm sure you're well aware of. Must try to meet up here in London at some point too when you have time.

Let me start by saying I'm so sorry we didn't talk enough. @rea can't stop talking about how cool you are and I completely see why. Next time we meet, I promise to make up for that! Thank you, buddy. :)